Ambitious, I like it. I may move this to the project section; we'll see how it plays out. I've been involved in some of these swaps, but usually a Ram or a Charger. A few notes:
2. I like the cam upgrade plus it's a cheap and easy one that doesn't require tuning (though you'll get more out of it with tuning) and it keeps the VVT functional. For a write-up you should probably specify you're using the MDS 392 cam, as the non-MDS manual trans 392 cam is the usual performance upgrade.
3. Everyone is jumping all over the Hellcat pump but honestly for a pedestrian 5.7 without boost nor oil squirters it's overkill to the point where it is most likely too much. The 5.7 isn't a performance engine; clearances are different. I'd stick with a good aftermarket 5.7 upgrade or the 392 pump.
4. It's like that in all their parts manuals over the years, it's called being too cheap to either change or update the pictures over time.
5. You've already got springs or I'd recommend the fairly cheap OEM p/n 68277306AA. It's designed for the eagle head and good to .625 lift (plenty for the stock 392 cam).
Good luck and pictures pictures pictures.
1. SRV functionality doesn't exist in PCM's prior to 2011. This will require an rpm switch or possibly the Tazer harness might work here.I've seen it asked here and there about swaping a pre-eagle hemi for an eagle hemi. Most of the responses say buy a newer dodge. Occasionally there are some that say to do it but, make modifications. I have decided to do the full swap. That means I am putting a 2009+ Hemi into a 2007 and I will get the VVT and MDS working. That's the goal anyways. So for those wondering what's involved with doing this in a Durango I thought I would write it up. I will not be writing up anything standard with replacing the motor. I will only be documenting what has to be done to install an Eagle Hemi into a pre-2009 dodge.
This is by far easier to do in a car or truck. There's some issues with the 2009 Durango that make it a bit of challenge. Some documentation from Dodge seems to be wrong and parts can be difficult to find.
I have not completed the swap and I will update this as I go. I am currently halfway through.
Goal: Replace a dead 2007 Hemi with a 2009+ Hemi. Maintain the MDS functionality, add the VVT, and add the Short Runner Control.
Parts needed:
- 2009+ Engine
- 2009 PCM (Try to keep it close to 2009 so that it's compatible with the CAN bus. I have not nailed it down exactly but, I think 2009 and 2010 are likely your limit.)
- 6.4L Cam (Not needed but, I'm here so might as well).
- Hellcat Oil Pump (Great upgrade to avoid the "Hemi Tick" or premature lifter failure)
- 2009+ Wire Harness
- AC Compressor (This will be a big part of the challenge further explanation below)
- AC Suction Pipe (I've only been able to source this from a junk yard more info below)
- Timing Cover from an Eagle Hemi installed in a Truck or SUV.
In theory (I will confirm once I'm done) getting the wire harness and PCM should make this swap very straightforward. The PCM will need to be programmed with your VIN and there may need to be some other changes made to vehicle options. This can be done with AlfaOBD and I will put screen shots in of all the changes I make once I'm at that step.![]()
Here is the first problem that you will run into. The timing cover from a pre-eagle does not fit on an eagle. The cam sprocket used on the eagle is wider and interferes with the timing cover. This doesn't seem like a big deal but, all of the accessories move. If you look at the Mopar Parts catalog it looks like there is a timing cover that matches the original accessory positions but this is wrong. There is not one so don't look. I suspect the documentation is wrong because it is the only year for this version of the Durango. You can reuse the alternator without any issues. The Power Steering pump moves up a bit but still not an issue. The AC Compressor is the BIGGEST problem. You won't be able to reuse the AC Compressor. The 2009 Compressor mounts on the drivers side under the power steering pump. The good news is all of the hoses will still work except you will need an extension for the suction line. Again, the Mopar parts site doesn't document this pipe and you can only find it on a 2009 Durango or 2009 Aspen. This pipe was the hardest part for me to find. All of the other AC hoses are the same used on 2004 to 2009. The Compressor is also difficult to find. The parts sites like RockAuto have a pump listed that is supposedly used on a Sebring or Avenger. The pump is a 6SEU16 style pump with the rear extension. This is wrong and the pulleys will not line up. No one makes an aftermarket or a rebuilt compressor for the 09 Durango. The pump you need is a 10SRE20C. I think you can make the 10SRE18C from a Dodge Ram work but, I'm not 100% sure. I ended up ordering a salvage part from a Durango.
I have the old motor out. I'm currently cleaning up the new motor and installing new valve springs on the head. Once that is done I will be putting the new motor in. I'll add more to this post for any issues I run into. I'll also add picture this weekend.
2. I like the cam upgrade plus it's a cheap and easy one that doesn't require tuning (though you'll get more out of it with tuning) and it keeps the VVT functional. For a write-up you should probably specify you're using the MDS 392 cam, as the non-MDS manual trans 392 cam is the usual performance upgrade.
3. Everyone is jumping all over the Hellcat pump but honestly for a pedestrian 5.7 without boost nor oil squirters it's overkill to the point where it is most likely too much. The 5.7 isn't a performance engine; clearances are different. I'd stick with a good aftermarket 5.7 upgrade or the 392 pump.
4. It's like that in all their parts manuals over the years, it's called being too cheap to either change or update the pictures over time.
5. You've already got springs or I'd recommend the fairly cheap OEM p/n 68277306AA. It's designed for the eagle head and good to .625 lift (plenty for the stock 392 cam).
Good luck and pictures pictures pictures.
